Environmental Nature Center

What it reported doing in 2024

During the 2024-25 program year, 30,810 people participated in environmental nature center (enc) programs. Enc staff naturalists delivered over 60,000 hours of environmental education, providing hands-on learning experiences that deepen understanding of biodiversity, habitat conservation, and the connection between healthy ecosystems and human well-being. The enc nature preschool operated at full capacity, serving 72 children daily. Approximately $11,000 was allocated to scholarships for families experiencing financial hardship, ensuring access to high-quality, nature-based early childhood education. The preschool liaison program continued to support educators by modeling outdoor, nature-based teaching strategies. On-site field trips reached a new high, supported by expanded programming at the enc tucker wildlife sanctuary. A total of 304 field trips served 17,898 students across both campuses. More than $13,000 in scholarships supported access for 4,735 students from 75 title i schools, ensuring that cost was not a barrier to participation. The traveling naturalist program delivered 199 programs to 7,635 students. The program has adapted by expanding into after-school settings and libraries, reaching new audiences and strengthening pathways to on-site engagement. Enrichment programs remained in high demand, with 1,189 children participating in early childhood classes and seasonal camps. New offerings included early childhood programming at the tucker wildlife sanctuary and the introduction of the neurodivergent naturalists program, expanding accessiblity and inclusivity. Summer nature camps again filled to capacity, serving 798 children across all session, reflecting strong community demand and continued program excellence. Youth engagement remained a priority, with 502 scouts participating in enc programs. Staff also supported numberous eagle scout and silver award projects, fostering leadership and service. Bearthday parties provided an introduction to the enc for new families while modeling zero-waste celebration practices. In 2024-25, 36 parties sered 529 children. Community programs connected approximately 2,000 participants to nature through offerings such as reading in the redwoods, native plant walks, family campouts, quarterly plant sales, and spanish-language programming. Professional development programs served 221 educators and team members through the excellent educators series and customized workshops focused on outdoor, nature-based teaching strategies. Volunteers remained essential to encs success. In 2024-25, 625 volunteers contributed 5,212 hours of service, supporting programs across all departments. Enc programs continue to foster long-term outcomes including environmental literacy, lifelong stewardship, and informed educational and career pathways.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 63.7%; rating input score 64
• Program expense ratio: 76.5%; rating input score 77
• Fundraising efficiency: $8.37 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 32; 32nd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 92.3%; rating input score 92; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 17.7%; rating input score 74; 74th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 6.51; rating input score 87; 87th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.08; rating input score 63; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 91; 91st percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 12.1% per year; rating input score 100; 71st percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 8.6% per year; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 5.8% per year; rating input score 100; 39th percentile among comparable filings